Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Difficult during these days to say if weather is bad or at least not so bad so i decided to make a special update about weather in Phuket in August.

The month of August closed with good weather, despite some rain sea was flat and no wind. There were two or three very hot days at the ed of last week because of the haze from Sumatra. Then a mild wind on Saturday and a night rain on Sunday cleared the air

Patong bay early morning on 31 August 2015

Today some more clouds and wind is stronger, probably we will see some rain in next two days.

Sky over Kathu this morning

During the week was great with flat sea and clear sky, all activities and tours where possible.

Sunset at Patong Beach on 18 August 2015

But be aware that despite flat sea dugin Summer it is very dangerous to swim off the beaches on Phuket West Coast.

Summer isn't good time for swimm off Phuket west Coast

Do that only where there are lifeguards and only where is allowed (must falgs that are half yellow and half red). Otherwise enjoy a nice walk on the beaches and sunbath.

On 14th August another lovely day and enjoyed riding my motorbike from Patong to Kamala , this was high tide at north end of Patong Beach.

Today 13th August was a nice sunshine gave the good morning in Phuket that is back to blue sky and very nice condition to fully enjoy holidays and the island life.

Kamala beach view to south, morning 13th August 2015

Kamala beach view to north, morning 13th August 2015

On Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th rain was back and for two days dark sky was all over Phuket with a lot of rain. No wind and Sea was flat

Sunday 9th sky was covered in clouds but no rain and mild wind, while Monday 10th was a very good and hot day can see from the picture taken in the afternoon from The Nap Blue Moon suite balcony.

Swimming pool at The Nap Patong

View over Patong Bay from The Nap on 10 August 2015

But last night rain started and this morning is still pouring down, no wind that should pick up in the afternoon and clear the sky.

We had some rain, mostly at night that kept air fresh in the morning then afternoon is hot so best is take a tour to the islands or enjoy fresh water with rafting and tubing for a fun and Easy Day discovering of beaten track places around Phuket

For those like diving in Phuket in Summer is one of best time with clear water and lot of life

Kit and Aldric enjoyed diving at Racha Yai on 21 July 2015

Or if you never tried now is the time with Discover Scuba Diving program (DSD) and Open Water Course

Monday, June 15, 2015

It is heavy rain since Sunday night and seems will be like this for next couple of days. The good news is that it is normal for the period and it is good for the forest and the water reserves.

Clouds cover Kathu hills - a rainy day today

Being an all year destination Phuket has always a lot of people that come to visit for the beaches, the sea and the informal and amusing atmosphere

So what to do now if you are here and it is raining a lot?

First of all enjoy holidays anyway, air temperature is between 26 and 30 Celsius and water temperature is above 28 Celsius.

Can see from the two pictures on this article that the situation can be very different just few km south of Phuket. This because the fat clouds full of water are coming from west and Phuket hills attract them and rain falls. The hills works like a wall leaving areas on the east side sheltered from rain.

Some moment and the view to south show blue sky over Phuket

So could be good to stay in Phi Phi for few days.

Another easy option is to move to Koh Samui where weather is much better at the moment and can fully enjoy holidays

Weather in Samui in June - Koh Nang Yuan Island

How to get from Phuket to Samui,?

The faster way is flying, BangkokAirways as direct flights from Phuket to Samui our times a day

Or learn more about Thai Food and Phuket life with an home style cooking class

Home Style Thai Food

It is important to know that during Summer in Phuket it doesn't rain all day for few days and everywhere.

There are thunderstorms that locally can pour a lot of rain in a short time. So can rain at an hotel location and be sunny and fine all day at Phi Phi islands or other locations. As can be the opposite. in case of severe weather activities or tours are suspended but need first to get to the meeting points to have the correct picture about the weather situation. And some time take the "risk' of getting wet during the day.

Same is for the time could rain at Pick up time and then be good during the day or could be nice in the morning and then turn bad during the day

For these reason one of the tours we like to suggest during summer is the Phi Phi Premium that combines the comfortable transfers in premium class, where customers are always comfortable despite sea conditions, with fun speed boat ride to best sightseeing at Phi Phi Island

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Second half of April is bringing us into Summer in Thailand, thunderstorms are now on a daily basis, specially at evening.

Sunset at Karon Beach on 18 April 2015

Rain is good for life and necessary for all nature including us so look at it on a positive way, air temperature dropped a bit. A day like today with a thunderstorm in the evening means fresh air at night and good sleeping.

Tomorrow morning sun will shine so the holidays day will be great.

Patong Bay end of April 2015

Wind is changing direction and start blowing from South West, bringing more clouds and humidity to Phuket. So far a really normal season.

Look like this situation will be for at least all next week, so can enjoy lovely days out at sea and activities

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

What is Songkran day?
The name comes from Sanskrit and in other regions around Asia is the new
year day, in all these areas the main religion is Buddhism.
Among Thai people is simply the New Year celebration in Thailand and marks the passage from the hot and dry season to the more humid and rainy Summer. Until the end of 19th century was the official new year day. the Thailand uniformed to rest of the world moving to 1st January, despite this Thai People celebrate the New year on 13th April every Year.

It is most important celebration in Thailand and is public holidays from 13th to 15th April

It is a day to stay together with friends and Family, enjoy food and splash a lot of water each others and to others. The water will refresh people and wash away all bed from past year

Thai People will take all the Buddha out the house and revere them with gently perfumed shower , then start the day, when visit someone house will be a polite gesture to pour water and flowers on the Buddah of the house

Songkarn day - Thailand

Songkran celebration

When is Songkran in Phuket ?SongKran is from 13th to 15th April and in some areas even longer, In Phuket Celebration is only on the 13th April, when everyone gather along streets and start splashing from morning to sunset

Easy Day Thailand Team, ready for action

Why is Songkran so special?
Thailand has strong traditions dating back in history and Songkran is considered one of most important day in the year and marks the important passage from dry season to rain.

Splashing time

Being Agriculture a very important part of Thailand life the Songkran Day keeps its importance in people life and is a day for everyone o relax and have fun. It is common to see people splashing Police officers and from them reply with a smile and bit of water too.

Songkran 13 April

Some important things to keep in mind during Songkran celebration:

By tradition the water splashing is between sunrise and sunset.
When dark people will dress then normally and do not except that tourists splash water all night just thinking is fun. To avoid confontrations and problem, just follow the tradition and behave.

It is not allow drink alcohol along the streets and public areas designated for water play, don't complain then if Police come and pick up those that though was just a big pool party.

Everyone like drive around and stop at the spots where people splash each other, driver very carefully. Sometime ice is add to water and splashed on riders face...most of times is fun..sometime accidents happen.

Drink and drive is a criminal offense also at Songkran Day.

How to fully enjoy Songkran Day

Find a place where gather with your friends enjoy a BBQ and some beers, play fairly with those like to play splashing each other, don't drive around to avoid accidents.

When sun goes down put all "weapons" away, relax and have a good night sleep, next day is a new year

Sunset at Kamla Beach

Phuket weather update:

A quick about to let everyone know that weather is fantastic and very hot and seems that will stay like this for all next week, making Songkran perfect.

Our suggestion for best things to do in Phuket in March are the early bird tours, these tours leave in the morning with a triple benefit, see the sunrise and enjoy the fresh air in the morning and enjoy best spots before crowd arrives

With the private island tour early morning will also have the opportunity to see real Phuket life style, people at tropics like to stay sheltered from the Sun during the day so most of life activities are in the morning and then late afternoon till night.

SAFETY DRIVE WARNING IN PHUKET

During March and April short rain falls and storms are normal, when driving a motorbike in Phuket it is better stop and wait for the rain to stop. Just few minutes. This is because roads become very slippery. The rain isn't enough to wash out dust, dirt, oil and salt that covers the road surface and the mixture makes roads like iced.

On holidays take it easy drive slowly, wear your helmet and take it easy